Obstructed Oceanview stateroom

The Obstructed Oceanview stateroom is approximately 183 to 190 square feet and features the same fine amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Obstructed Oceanview stateroom:

Picture window (fully or partially obstructed)

Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Nightly turn-down service

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Oceanview Stateroom

The Oceanview stateroom is approximately 183 to 194 square feet and features a picture window for memorable views. The Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Oceanview stateroom:

Picture window

Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Nightly turn-down service

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IF

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IE

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category ID

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IC

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IB

Emerald Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OZ

Multiple Decks

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OY

Emerald Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OW

Multiple Decks

Oceanview Stateroom - Category OF

Plaza Deck 5

Oceanview Stateroom - Category OC

Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated),
and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses).
Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies.
Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer.
Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.

Itinerary

Day 1

Tokyo (Yokohama)
Depart: Mon, Dec 23, 2019 @ 17:00

Day 1

Tokyo

Depart: Mon, Dec 23, 2019 @ 17:00

Day 2

Toba, Japan

Arrive: Tue, Dec 24, 2019 @ 07:00

Depart: Tue, Dec 24, 2019 @ 17:00

Day 3

Kyoto (Osaka)

Arrive: Wed, Dec 25, 2019 @ 07:00

Depart: Wed, Dec 25, 2019 @ 19:00

Day 4

At Sea

Thu, Dec 26, 2019

Day 5

At Sea

Fri, Dec 27, 2019

Day 6

Keelung

Arrive: Sat, Dec 28, 2019 @ 07:00

Depart: Sat, Dec 28, 2019 @ 23:00

Day 7

At Sea

Sun, Dec 29, 2019

Day 8

Hong Kong

Arrive: Mon, Dec 30, 2019 @ 07:00

Day 9

Hong Kong

Depart: Tue, Dec 31, 2019 @ 23:59

Day 10

At Sea

Wed, Jan 1, 2020

Day 11

Chan May

Arrive: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 @ 07:00

Depart: Thu, Jan 2, 2020 @ 17:00

Day 12

Nha Trang

Arrive: Fri, Jan 3, 2020 @ 09:00

Depart: Fri, Jan 3, 2020 @ 17:00

Day 13

Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My)

Arrive: Sat, Jan 4, 2020 @ 07:00

Depart: Sat, Jan 4, 2020 @ 18:00

Day 14

At Sea

Sun, Jan 5, 2020

Day 15

Singapore
Arrive: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 07:00

Onboard experience

Dine with the same waitstaff and tablemates each evening in the same dining room. Choose from two seating options at 5:30pm and 7:45pm. Or just like a restaurant on land, dine when and with whom you wish anytime from 5:30pm to 10:00pm, in elegant, upscale venues.

*Crafted by Curtis Stone* Savour fresh new cuisine designed by award-winning Chef Curtis Stone during every voyage. Be enticed by dishes featuring delicious meats and seafood, fresh produce and vibrant, bold flavours.

*Anytime Dining is not available on Diamond Princess while operating in Japan or Australia.

Club Class Dining (Only available for Club Class and Full Suite guests)

An exclusive area of the Main Dining Room for Club Class and Full Suite guests featuring expedited seating with minimal to no wait. Enjoy expanded menu options, dedicated waitstaff, uniquely styled decor, table-side preparation and more!

Prego Pizzeria (poolside)

Wait until you taste this classic treat, 100% homemade, Neapolitan style. You can also choose to have it delivered to your stateroom during regular Pizzeria hours of operation ($3 stateroom delivery charge applies).

Horizon Court (Buffet)

A tantalizing selection that changes throughout the day, to satisfy the most discriminating palate

Trident Grill

Grilled Burgers and Hot Dogs to Go. Burgers are flipping and the hotdogs roasting, served with a variety of toppings and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you are relaxing out on deck.

La Patisserie Cafe

For cappuccino, espresso and other coffee specialties, as well as fresh pastries throughout the day, head to La Patisserie for quick treats in a comfortable café setting. Savour a buttery croissant or your favourite cookie while sipping on an aromatic coffees

Ice Cream Bar

Complimentary soft serve ice cream. A real hit with “kids” of all ages.

This authentic Italian restaurant is as rich in atmosphere as it is in flavor. Indulge in your favorite Italian fare and be sure to save room for desserts like Tiramisú al Cioccolato.

Sterling Steakhouse

Experience Princess' selection of premium, grain-fed beef including New York Strip Steak, Porterhouse and Filet Mignon.

Kai Sushi / Kai Seafood Bar

Try our traditional sushi bar, serving up sushi, Sashimi, Sake and wine by the glass exclusively on the Diamond Princess.

Chef’s Table

See the galley operations in action, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and champagne with the chef. Participants will also be served an exclusive menu created by the chef using special ingredients from local markets, and paired with wine.

Royal Afternoon Tea

Enjoy your royal Afternoon Tea on the Diamond Princess while in Japan (Served in Savoy Dining Room).

Ultimate Balcony Dining

Featuring fresh lobster or steak, delicious delicacies and private service, all on your own balcony. Treat yourself to this unparalleled level of luxury morning or night, available for an additional cost.

Churchill Lounge

Club Fusion

Crooners Bar

Sky Walker Dance Floor

Wheelhouse Bar

Youth and Teens

Chocolate Journey

Norman Love Confectionary

Discovery Under the Stars

Grand Casino

Princess Theatre

Cascading Showers

Spa Outdoor Japanese Spa

Fitness Center

Mini Golf

Calypso Reef and Pool

Neptunes Reef & Pool

The Sanctuary

Bars and Lounges

Crooners Bar

A classic 1960s-style martini bar based on the Las Vegas "Rat Pack" era. Offers a full menu of more than 50 creative specialty martinis. Talented mixologists impress with their cocktail-making prowess and tequila and whisky tastings that will turn you into a connoisseur.

Wheelhouse Bar

With Nautical themed paintings and overstuffed leather chairs, relax among the heritage from Princess lines P&O history.

Churchills Lounge

Churchill’s is a hidden gem where the cozy, pub-like atmosphere invites cigar and cigarette smokers to sit down with a refreshing drink, their favourite smoke and enjoy the evening.

Club Fusion

One of three main lounges onboard, this nightclub/cabaret features a high-tech look and capabilities, including 42 high-definition video screens. Karaoke contests, live performances and theme-parties like “60s British Invasion” are just a few of the nightly events that will have you on your feet.

Skywalkers Nightclub

Hot music and cool cocktails set to a DJ spinning popular club tunes is the ideal setting for a night of dancing. Gleaming, ultra modern and ultra cool, this hot spot invites a little stargazing while the colourful neon dance floor invites everyone to get up and boogie down. Boasting panoramic views from its vantage point 15 decks above the sea, it’s the perfect place for dancing and socializing.

Other bars that can be found around the ship include:

Explorers Lounge

Vines Wine Bar

Wake View Bar

Outrigger Bar

Calypso (Pool) Bar

The Mermaids Tail (Pool) Bar

Oasis (Sports Deck) Bar

Tradewinds Bar

Kids Club

There are plenty of exciting activities onboard Diamond Princessfor passengers ages 3 to 17. The Youth Centers and Teen Lounges are staffed by experienced counselors, who are ready to ensure the youngest cruisers stay happy all day long. They can choose from art projects, game tables, the latest movies, pizza parties, talent shows, video games, and much more.

Youth Centres - Ages 3-12

Princess Pelicans (3 - 7 yrs) - Little ones will want to stay all day while counselors entertain them with:

Teen Lounges (13 - 17 yrs)

This Teens-only exclusive lounge is the ideal place for passengers ages 13 - 17 to make new friends while enjoying all of the coolest amenities including Wii games, music and foosball tables and also exciting events as below:

Entertainment

Princess Theatre

The Princess Theatre offers two shows each evening, that change daily. Offering Broadway at Sea with classics, popular hits original numbers.

Casino

The Grand Casino offers a wide variety of gaming machines and table games. The casino will not be open when in port.
Daily Tournamnets are also held.

Movies under the Stars

Day time or Night time watch a feature film, concert or sports game on the Big Screen on the pool deck. Feast on complimentary popcorn or cookies and stay comfortable with fleece blankets in the evening.

Scholarship@Sea

ScholarShip@Sea offers a selection of different classes to take part in ranging from wine tasting and cookery to ceramics and card making.

Japanese Baths

Izumi, modeled after a traditional Japanese bath or “onsen” features indoor and outdoor Japanese bathing experiences, including cascading hot showers, steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs with spectacular ocean views. Exclusively on Diamond Princess, it is the largest Japanese bath of its kind at sea and offers guests a chance to experience a little of a popular Japanese pastime. Men and women have separate facilities, except for one outdoor hot tub where suits are required.

Daily schedules are posted outside each day giving the times for "Bathing Attire or Nude" use.
As sexes must also be seperated at all times, the Men and Women swap sides each day, as each side offers different facilities.
The charge is from $10 for a 2 hour visit.

Sanctuary

A luxurious Adult only retreat located on deck 16 offers you the chance to completely unwind and relax.

Serenity Stewards will attend to your every need, from getting you drinks and meals to spraying you with Evian water atmizers.

Massages are available in in the two outdoor private cabanas.

Half-day passes for The Sanctuary are available for $20 per person, for 8 am to 12:30 pm or 1 pm to 5:30 pm or later. Guests choosing to indulge with an outdoor massage may also enjoy an hour’s use of The Sanctuary area after their treatment.

Ship info

Diamond Princess is a luxury destination in itself. Wake each morning in anticipation of a new horizon. Take in the view from one of nearly 740 balcony staterooms. Indulge in a hot stone massage at the renowned Lotus Spa, enjoy fine dining in a formal or relaxed atmosphere and make it a cruise to remember.

Vessel: Diamond Princess

Year: 2004

Beam: 123

Cruising speed: 20

Crew: 1100

Onboard Currency: AUD on Australia cruises otherwise USD

Passenger Capacity: 2670

Refurbished: 2014

Tonnage: 115,875

24-Hour Room Service

All Main Meals Included

Art Auctions

Coin Operated Laundry

Dance Classes

Duty Free Shopping

Florist

Guest Entertainers

Internet Facilities

Jogging Track

Live Music

Photographer

Quiet Library

Security Safe in Cabin

Themed Party Nights

Decks

Diamond Princess - Deck Plans

Cruise reviews

"Revamped Diamond Princess"

I have just received Captain's Circle elite status, so have cruised with Princess many times. Diamond Princess used to be my very favourite cruise ship. After the last cruise, I probably wouldn't travel on it again. It is very focused on giving the Japanese a great experience and doesn't really cater as well for other nationalities any more. The ship was about 80% Japanese people and 20% other nationalities. Activities are geared towards Japanese people and every activity or game or anything, there are hundreds there to participate. Food also is Japanese style which is nice to try on occasions. The cabins are roomy and the staff excellent in their service areas. Buffet service was slow in the evenings. Unfortunately any time dining is not available on this ship which is a great shame. The dining staff were very helpful and looked after our needs well. We found that the Japanese mostly use the Oasis (pay for) area, so the spas and outdoor pool area was mainly uncrowded. We didn't visit the Izumi Japanese bath as we thought it too expensive to try. The ports we visited on this cruise were amazing, especially the South Taiwan ports. I would highly recommend cruising with Princess, but not the Diamond Princess.

"What an amazing cruise"

Well, this was our first excursion from anywhere apart from Auckland. We had both been on board a Princess Vessel previously (Sun Princess), but this was the first Cruise on the Diamond.
We had a terrific flight over to Oz with Air NZ, then an informative afternoon in Sydney, and best of all, it this was a free one!
Next morning, we trundled down the street with our luggage, and found the vessel. It was a much larger one in comparison to others we had been on. No sooner had we got to the port, we said goodbye to our luggage (No, they weren't stolen!) and casually boarded the ship.
As it was around noon, decided to test out the on board restaurant. As usual, the meal was outstanding. But more about that later.
After the on board emergency test, we casually tasted our first drink and waved goodbye to the land as we departed. Unlike our last cruise we didn't go under the Harbour Bridge, as the Diamond Princess is too tall to do that!
Well, the next twelve days simply flew by. We were extremely well fed, and there was always a tea/coffee machine available!
The first sight of land was when we ventured through the fiords. Despite the poor weather, the picturesque views were ultra fantastic.
During the night, we went through Fouveaux straight and spotted the lighthouse on Stewart Island. Next day, we were in Dunedin.
The entire trip for me was very good. Nothing seemed to be a problem for our Cabin Steward. To be honest, I rarely got time to sit down and relax. There were so many options to try. I even partook a few amazing afternoon teas where it was like a 5 star Hotel!
The evening meals were all outstanding. For example a Duck Terrine, Apricot Preserve, Ossobuco Agnolotti (a crisp sage with veal) Blueberry Mojita Sorbet, and the final treat that night was the Chocolate extravaganza. That was a Chocolate Raspberry Mousse with Vanilla Creme Brulee and crunchy Shortbread!
My mouth is watering as I recall this. But wait, one could order what ever they wanted from the menu! There were many options. I was in wonderland!
All in all, I thought the trip was excellent. I was never bored, there were so many things to do.
We even missed out on a couple of events due to attending other ones! Still, that gives us the desire to undertake another cruise soon.
This was our sixth cruise, and even as I recount it, my desire to get out on the open sea again is astounding.
I watch out my window here in Auckland and whenever I see a passenger liner going in or out, recall my previous cruises, and I think recall the fantastic times I had on board various ships, and of course, cant wait for my next cruise!

"Beautiful ship, top service."

Went to Singapore in March/April 2015 on the Diamond Princess. Beautiful ship all pretty new. Cabins are quite roomy. We had an inside cabin and much bigger than the Sun and Sea Princess. But it is a larger ship. Good amount of closet an hanging space as well as shelves. In room entertainment eg TV great choice of movies many channels. Your cruising information at all times on TV. The food was restaurant class but would have liked more vegetables to come with meals but you could ask for extra and it was no problem. The Japanese Baths was amazing and relaxing only the price of a cocktail for 2 hours. The entertainment could do with improvement. There wasn't very much through the day just Basics. The shows were 3 stars. More on deck entertainment would be good not just 1 or 2 times in a 20 night cruise. Captains parties was a joke no one saw the Captain or his crew the whole cruise walking around or otherwise. Other ships always interacted.

"Dancing on the Diamond"

My husband and I cruised on the Diamond hoping we would be able to dance every night. And we did!! It was fantastic fun dancing to the great music of Evolution and the Crimson Duo. They were terrific to dance to playing anything we asked and were so friendly by the end of the cruise we could count them as friends and hope we are lucky enough to catch up with them on another cruise.
The bar staff, particularly in the Wheelhouse Bar were so friendly, greeting us every night by name and remembering our order.
We loved the anytime dining option, eating in the restaurant where we were served delicious food. It was always served quickly and again the staff are unbelievably friendly and efficient. Everything works like clockwork.
We had a balcony cabin and enjoyed having breakfast on our balcony every morning.
We did not do any of the tours offered on the ship because we had toured New Zealand by land previously but we enjoyed the port lectures which gave us options of self guided things to do. The presenter had quite a sense of humour which made the presentation quite amusing as well as informative.
I think the one big impression of our cruise with princess was that it was a happy ship.

"Grand Asia - Very Relaxing "

While this wasn't my first cruise it was my partners first and he had a ball. The ports were amazing (although we always wish we could stay longer at each place, but that's cruising for you) the crew were so accommodating and friendly, the cabin was more than I could have asked for, it was beautiful and very spacious with a gorgeous balcony. The food was delicious and there was so much choice on offer. The ship it's self was amazing, the Diamond Princess is huge with lots on offer. I did enjoy the shopping on board however I do wish there was a bit more of a mix instead of just the upper market stores just to keep it varied. The entertainment was great although again I wish there was a little more choice during the day, for events that may suit the younger couples. But overall this was a very rewarding trip, we had the most beautiful and relaxing days with gorgeous weather, food and not to forget the people we shared it all with. I was very impressed with Princess Cruises as well as Cruise Sale Finder for setting it all up for us. It was a magical trip overall and I would 100% recommend to anyone.

Frequently asked questions

Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.

All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.

Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.

The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.

One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.

NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.

The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.

There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.

The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.

IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.

Terms and conditions for this cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.

Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.

Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.

When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.

Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.

Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.

Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.

NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.

Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.

Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.

When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.

Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.

If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.

Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.

The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.

Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.

Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.

The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.

Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.

However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.

These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.